Foldable Wing Tip Clutch Locking for Aircraft Wing Arresting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable aircraft wings require separate ground and flight arresting devices, which are cumbersome, require regular maintenance, and involve cleaning of lugs and bolts to prevent dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A single clutch device is used to arrest the foldable wing tip portion in both extended and folded positions, comprising pairs of clutch parts that engage and disengage to hold or release the wing tip relative to the fixed wing, utilizing friction, positive-locking, or toothed engagement, and featuring a biasing device and actuation unit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ground and flight arresting devices are used, then the foldable wing tip portion can be reliably arrested in both folded and extended positions, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate ground arresting device and flight arresting device into a single integrated arresting device. The clutch device includes a clutch drum, clutch shoes, and spring elements that function together to arrest the wing tip in both folded and extended positions, eliminating the need for separate arresting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single arresting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a ground arresting device when the wing is in the folded position and as a flight arresting device when the wing is in the extended position. The clutch shoes can engage with the clutch drum in different operational contexts, providing universal arresting capability for both ground and flight conditions
2Reliability
If lug and bolt mechanisms are used for arresting, then the wing tip can be securely held, but maintenance and cleaning efforts increase due to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional lug and bolt mechanical connection system with a clutch mechanism consisting of a clutch drum, clutch shoes, and spring elements. This substitution eliminates exposed fasteners that accumulate dirt, while maintaining secure arresting capability through friction-based clutch engagement. The enclosed clutch mechanism requires less maintenance and is easier to clean compared to external lug and bolt assemblies
3Reliability
If multiple separate arresting devices are installed, then comprehensive arresting coverage is achieved, but the overall weight of the wing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate arresting devices into a single integrated arresting device that provides comprehensive arresting coverage for both folded and extended wing positions. By consolidating the clutch drum, clutch shoes, and spring elements into one unit, the design achieves the necessary arresting reliability without the additional weight of duplicate arresting mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces weight, complexity, and maintenance efforts by eliminating the need for separate arresting devices and lug-and-bolt mechanisms, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the foldable wing tip portion.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing friction, positive-locking, or toothed engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A wing (3) for an aircraft (1) including a fixed wing (5), a foldable wing tip portion (9) mounted to the fixed wing (5) via a hinge (11) in a manner rotatable about a hinge axis (13) between an extended position and a folded position, an actuation device (24) for actuating the foldable wing tip portion (9) for movement between the extended position and the folded position, and an arresting device (37) for arresting the foldable wing tip portion (9) in the extended position and/or in the folded position. The arresting device (37) includes a clutch device (39) configured for selectively holding the foldable wing tip portion (9) in a fixed position relative to the fixed wing (7) and releasing the foldable wing tip portion (9) for movement relative to the fixed wing (7) about the hinge axis (13).